Travalena was an impressionist, for those too young to remember. He was on game shows and made guest appearances. Fred, Rich Little, et al were the guys who did impressions of public figures before Carvey, Caliendo and others came around.

Travalena was a lame impressionist, for those too young to remember. He was on game shows and made guest appearances. Fred, Rich Little, et al were the guys who did impressions of public figures before Carvey, Caliendo and others came around.

You'd probably be correct in saying Travalena was a poor man's Rich Little, but he was still very entertaining when I would see him in various TV appearances. For anyone who remembers "The Buddy Holly Story," with Gary Busey, he played the DJ who locked himself in his studio while playing Holly's first single over and over.

Him and Danny Gans are probably doing an impressionists' showdown for the Big Man right now. RIP.

He was "MAD MAN MANCUSO" in the Buddy Holly Story. For a while I'd get him confused with Leno.
Man - I don't know what the Jerry Lewis Telethon is going to look like on Labor Day. Surprised I didn't see Jerry Lewis on any of the Ed McMahon coverage.
RIP Fred.

He was "MAD MAN MANCUSO" in the Buddy Holly Story. For a while I'd get him confused with Leno.
Man - I don't know what the Jerry Lewis Telethon is going to look like on Labor Day. Surprised I didn't see Jerry Lewis on any of the Ed McMahon coverage.
RIP Fred.

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And somehow Gary Busey has managed to stay alive long enough to celebrate his 65th birthday today.